The Guildhall Shopping Centre is to throw parents a lifeline with their fifth annual Children's Fun Week next month.

The Stafford shopping attraction has organised a series of workshops for the week commencing 22nd August, to help parents who have run out of ideas for entertaining their children during the school summer holidays!

Activities range from a puppet workshop on Monday 22nd, to pom-pom making on Wednesday 24th, to a magic workshop to round off the week on Friday 26th. Further information is available at www.guildhallstafford.com.

Guildhall Marketing Manager Anne Graham said: "The workshops take place three times a day, at 10.30, 12.30 and 2.30, and are designed for children aged four to 11.

"It's been a great success in the past because by the fourth week of August the children have been off school for a while and parents have run out of ideas to entertain them.

"And for parents of older children, it gives them an opportunity to have a break and browse around the shops knowing the children are in a safe, fun environment."

The Guildhall is also hoping to raise cash for the Donna Louise Children's Hospice by running the workshops. Admission is £1 per child with all the proceeds going to the charity.

Richard Ralph is Senior Surveyor at DTZ Retail Active Management, which manages 100 shopping centres around the country, including the Guildhall.

He said: "Many of the Guildhall's events focus on children's activities and therefore the choice of the Donna Louise Children's Hospice is very appropriate. 

"The Guildhall has worked with the charity for the last 3 years and have raised £9,500 which goes to support children with life-limiting illnesses. 

"We are hoping that the Children's Fun Week will take us through the £10,000 mark."

The Guildhall Shopping Centre was opened in June 1991 by HRH Princess Anne, and has since attracted over 30 million visitors and created more than 1500 jobs. Current tenants include JJB Sports, HMV and Carphone Warehouse.